Written by solicitor Thomas Meier-Bading 2025-11-04 at 10:34

dismissal because of nothing

Ø Reading time: 1 min.
Many people give up too quickly after receiving a notice of termination – but now is precisely the time to take a closer look. Anyone who has received a notice of termination should immediately check whether the termination is lawful and what deadlines apply after termination. Only those who have their termination checked and know the deadline for filing a lawsuit can protect their chances. If you are wondering, „What should I do if I am dismissed?” – the answer is: stay calm, do not sign anything and get informed early on.

Can I be dismissed for a minor issue?

Someone puts a ballpoint pen in his suit pocket.
picture: ai, Prompt: Thomas Meier-Bading

Whether it’s „poor performance”, „illness”, „pocketing a promotional pen” or any other excuse – many people are desperately searching for the legal answer to the question: „Can they dismiss me for that?"

The honest answer is: if an employer wants to get rid of you, they will always find a reason.

As harsh as it may sound, my advice is: don’t fight for a job where you’re not wanted. Experience tells us that you won’t be happy there. The exciting question is therefore almost never „are they allowed to do that?", but rather: „How much will it cost the company?".

Because a flimsy reason for dismissal is not a problem, but often a gift. The more absurd or weaker the reason, the greater your chances of a better severance payment.
So you don’t have to prove that your employer is wrong. You just have to react skilfully and meet deadlines. And take a deep breath.

Find out how to get a good severance pay and what deadlines now apply on the next page.

How to get a severance package – read more here.

Note: this website describes the situation in Germany.